Communities across Perth and Kinross are being given a helping hand to fight the risk of flooding.
Householders judged to be in danger of floods are being invited to sign up for a free survey of their property so they can take steps to mitigate the risk of water damage.
An assessment has been made of the places which face the highest flood risk and Aberfeldy, Comrie, Crieff and Pitlochry have all been identified.
The council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Scottish Flood Forum have worked together to develop a pilot scheme to improve the uptake of protection products in the affected areas.
After the free survey, residents will be given a demonstration of suitable products by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and will have the opportunity to purchase them at a reduced price, thanks to the council’s bulk-buying power.
Householders will be responsible for collecting and fitting their purchases, though the Scottish Flood Forum can advise on suitable installers.
The pilot scheme targets residential properties and will not include business premises unless they play an integral role in protecting houses in a terraced street, for example.
The scheme will be evaluated after six months and, if it is a success, it could be extended to all of Perth and Kinross.
Vice-convener of the council’s environment committee, Mike Williamson, said: “Damage from flooding can be traumatic for a householder. This scheme will give a property which has been identified at risk within the identified zones of the pilot scheme the opportunity to protect their home and belongings to minimise the risk of damage if there is a flood.
“I hope the residents in these areas take up the opportunity to have their home surveyed at the very least this way they will be fully informed about any potentially vulnerable areas and will be able to make an informed decision about what measures could make a difference.”
Rab Middlemiss, group manager for SFRS in the Perth and Kinross area, said: “Flooding continues to pose a significant risk to some householders within Perth and Kinross, the effects of which can often have a devastating impact on families long after floodwater has gone.
“Whilst SFRS continue to provide an emergency response to reports of flooding, the speed of these events often result in serious damage to properties being sustained before our crews arrive. Therefore, the importance of prevention measures like this are essential in reducing this risk and mitigating the impact from floodwater to our communities.
Paul Hendy, operations director at the Scottish Flood Forum, said: “So many people continue to live with a fear of flooding, this scheme is a practical way forward to keep homes and families safe from being flooded again. With changes to flood insurance in the near future, it is even more important for everyone at flood risk to take this opportunity to protect their property.”
Further information on flooding and flood protection products can be found at www.pkc.gov.uk/flooding and www.scottishfloodforum.org.